Chemical Composition of Earthworm (Dendrobaena veneta Rosa) Biomass Is Suitable as an Alternative Protein Source

Abstract

The selected chemical composition (dry matter, ash, total protein, and crude fat) of the integumentary muscles of Dendrobaena veneta were determined, plus the dry matter (DM) percentage content of 17 amino acids and the profile (%) of fatty acids. Results were compared with a more fully studied earthworm, Eisenia fetida. In addition, the composition of exogenous amino acids was compared to the WHO standard for pork, beef, and chicken eggs. Both earthworm species were grown on the same kitchen waste, and protein composition was analyzed using the same methods. Studies indicated that the muscle of D. veneta was characterized by a high level of protein (76.82% DM). A similar content of exogenous amino acids was observed in the protein of both earthworms, but for phenylalanine and isoleucine, slightly higher levels were recorded for E. fetida. More histidine, lysine, threonine, isoleucine, and arginine were found in earthworms compared with chicken egg white. Fatty acids play an essential role in balancing human or animal feed and their content determines the dietary and nutritional value of the food. Both earthworm species contained the appropriate content of saturated and unsaturated acids. In D. veneta, a higher content of arachidonic acid was found, and in E. fetida, lauric, tridecanoic, and palmitic acids were present. Future issues of food security may force us to seriously consider earthworm protein for indirect or even direct human consumption.

In vitro, ex vivo and in vivo antihypertensive evaluation of enzymatic hydrolysates of Californian red worm (Eisenia fetida) proteins

“…The table shows a high concentration of glycine, histidine, leucine, lysine, and glutamic acid. These results are similar to those reported by Garczyńska et al (2023) a study evaluating the nutritional composition of earthworms as a protein source [ 34 ]. Additionally, the presence of a high content of essential amino acids (EAA: 54 %) suggests the high nutritional value of this protein.…”

Optimization of fractionation with membranes of antioxidant enzymatic hydrolysate of Californian red worm (Eisenia fetida) protein

“…It can be observed that the paste has a high protein content compared to other macro compounds, which are mainly albumin, globulin, and glutelin. This protein concentration is within the normal range reported in the literature, which indicates that the earthworm has protein values greater than 60 % [ 33 , 34 ]. Regarding ash content, the values found were slightly higher than those reported by Garczyńska for the earthworm ( Dendrobaena veneta Rosa ); however, the fat content was significantly lower compared to theirs (12.21 %) [ 34 ].…”

“…This protein concentration is within the normal range reported in the literature, which indicates that the earthworm has protein values greater than 60 % [ 33 , 34 ]. Regarding ash content, the values found were slightly higher than those reported by Garczyńska for the earthworm ( Dendrobaena veneta Rosa ); however, the fat content was significantly lower compared to theirs (12.21 %) [ 34 ]. The high percentage of proteins of high biological value makes this substrate a viable alternative for biotechnological applications such as enzymatic hydrolysis [ 33 , 35 ].…”

Earth Worming—An Evaluation of Earthworm (Eisenia andrei) as an Alternative Food Source

“…Decanting the supernatant was carried out with care. Equation (13) was used to determine the ability to contain oil or water, expressed as mL•g −1 .…”

“…As earthworms have a substantial protein content [5][6][7], earthworm protein is therefore being utilised as an ingredient in pelleted animal feeds in the United States, Canada, and Japan [8]. On a dry weight basis, earthworms are typically composed of 65% protein, 14% fat, 14% carbohydrate, and 3% ash [9][10][11][12][13]. It is reported that feed meals produced from earthworms can typically have a higher protein content and a nutritionally better amino acid composition than meals made from fish or soybeans [14].…”